Republican Party on War & Peace

Party Platform

Prevent Iran from building and possessing nuclear weapons

Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons capability threatens America, Israel, and the world. That threat has only become worse during the current Administration. A continuation of its failed engagement policy with Iran will lead to nuclear cascade.
In solidarity with the international community, America must lead the effort to prevent Iran from building and possessing nuclear weapons capability.

We affirm the unanimous resolution of the U.S. Senate calling for "elections that are free, fair, and
meet international standards" and "a representative and responsive democratic government that respects human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law." We urge the next Republican President to unequivocally assert his support for the Iranian
people as they protest their despotic regime. We must retain all options in dealing with a situation that gravely threatens our security, our interests, and the safety of our friends.

Party should stand by Bush doctrine of pre-emption

President Bush's most important principle is that after September 11, the US will act preemptively to protect its citizens. This principle was central to the war in Iraq, and because of failures in intelligence relative to
Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction it is now subject to immense second-guessing and criticism.

As a party we should stand by the Bush doctrine of pre-emption. In a time when the greatest threat to our country is chemical or biological weapons in the hands of Islamic extremists who want to bring an end to the Western way of life,
an unwillingness to act preemptively could result in a tragedy that could dwarf the destruction of the Twin Towers.

Terrorists seek weapons of mass destruction to kill us

On 9/11, we saw the cruelty of the terrorists, and we glimpsed the future they intend for us. They intend to strike the United States to the limits of their power.
They seek weapons of mass destruction to kill Americans on an even greater scale. This danger is increased when outlaw regimes build or acquire weapons of mass destruction and maintain ties to terrorist groups.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4
, Sep 7, 2004

Shrink the space in which the terrorists can operate

Terrorists long ago declared war on America, and now America has declared war against terrorists. We are defending the peace by taking the fight to the enemy. We are confronting terrorists overseas so we do not have to confront them here at home. We are
destroying the leadership of terrorist networks in sudden raids, disrupting their planning and financing, and keeping them on the run. We are shrinking the space in which they can freely operate, by denying them territory and the support of governments.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 5
, Sep 7, 2004

Total and complete destruction of terrorism is needed

There is no negotiation with terrorists. No form of therapy or coercion will turn them from their murderous ways. Only total & complete destruction of terrorism will allow freedom to flourish. We will extend the peace by supporting the rise of democracy,
and the hope and progress that democracy brings, as the alternative to hatred and terror in the Middle East. In democratic societies, people do not swear allegiance to malcontents and murderers; they turn their hearts and labor to building better lives.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6
, Sep 7, 2004

Afghanistan is liberated and the American people are safer

Today, Afghanistan is a world away from the nightmare of the Taliban. Twenty-eight million people are free. That country has a good and just president. Boys and girls are being educated. Women are respected. Many refugees have returned home to rebuild
their country, and a presidential election is scheduled for this fall. The terror camps are closed and the Afghan government is helping us to hunt the Taliban and terrorists in remote regions. A threat has been removed, and the American people are safer.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6
, Sep 7, 2004

Saddam had capability to reconstitute his weapons programs

While the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction we expected to find in Iraq have not yet materialized, we have confirmed that Saddam Hussein had the capability to reconstitute his weapons programs and the desire to do so. Our nation did the right
thing, and the American people are now safer because we and our allies ended the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, halting his decades-long pursuit of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 8
, Sep 7, 2004

Promote peace, reduce threat of war, protect Israel

We have four priorities for the Middle East.

we seek to promote and maintain peace throughout the region

we must ensure that Israel remains safe and secure

we must protect our economic interests and ensure the reliable flow of oil from
the Persian Gulf

we must reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the region.US policy must rest on leadership that can build strong coalitions of like-minded states and hold them together to achieve common aims.

Contribute in Balkans, but let NATO run it

The U.S. is contributing to NATO’s peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. Those troops cannot stay indefinitely without jeopardizing the American ability to defend other important interests. Over time European troops should take the place
of American forces under the NATO umbrella as the United States and its allies work together to bring peace and democracy to the Balkans. The next Republican president will not negotiate with indicted war criminals such as Slobodan Milosevic.